Project Based Learning

Project-Based Learning is, in my opinion, a way in which students learn by doing.  The teacher will set the guidelines, and expectations, but will not "lecture".  Instead, the teacher serves as a mentor, while the students experiment and look for the best way to meet the expectations.  I think PBL is a great way to engage kids in their learning.  By giving the students the autonomy to work in a project and allowing them to "get their hands dirty" the kids are more interested in learning.  

In 4th grade we have different examples of project-based learning.  The opera, of course, is a huge project that the students work on.  The students write, produce, and perform a "musical" while applying different concepts they have previously learned.  Likewise, in our nutrition unit the kids research different nutrients, and then present the nutrient to their classmates.  The kids were then asked to develop a balanced meal, and present it to a group of "guests".  The guests asked the students questions regarding the nutrients in their food, and why did they decide to "pair it" with the other food in the meal.

 One of the biggest problems I see is that not every kid puts the same effort on their projects.  Making sure that everyone is working (if it's a group project) and that they are all doing their best is very important.